World,
I want you to meet Joyce Biddulph, the most extraordinary woman I have ever
known. I met Joyce at a place of mutual employment. We were both juniors in
high school at the time. When I first saw her, I thought she was the most beautiful
woman in the world. But after talking to her for about five minutes, I knew
she was even more than that. When this lady would look at you, everything around
you seemed so warm and wonderful. She had the most sensuous eyes of any person
I have ever met. When she smiled at you, you wanted to pledge lifetime slavery
to her. (Well you thought about it anyway.) Needless to say, I developed more
than a passing crush on this woman. However, after graduating from high school,
I went into the Navy and Joyce went off and married a young man named Lee. He
must be quite a guy as they are soon to be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.
I think that is just super. Joyce
may have saved my life once, although she doesn't know it. I was soon to be
getting out of the Navy as my four years were about to be completed. On one
particular day, all hell was breaking loose for me. We were having a major inspection.
I was the senior person, so all problems were thrown at me. You can not believe
how many things were going wrong this day. Finally I walked out on to the deck,
sat down on a ladder and took a deep breath, wondering what was going to go
wrong next. Suddenly, one of my men brought me a letter from mail call. I rarely
got any mail while in the Navy so I was surprised. You could have knocked me
down with a feather when I saw who it was from. I had not heard from Joyce since
before joining the Navy. I didn't even know if she was aware I had joined. But
she did know my father and must have gotten my address from him. What a wonderful
letter it was too. Four pages, hand written, telling me how great her life was
developing. She sent a picture of herself, Lee, and their two kids (at the time).
She seemed so satisfied with life as she tried to update me with everything
that had taken place since we last talked. While reading that letter, I got
the biggest smile on my face, tears of joy welling up in both eyes, and that
smile remained the entire day. Nothing anyone said to me from that moment on
could bother me. I took care of the problems as they presented themselves and
ended the day as happy as I probably have ever been throughout my life. I have
always had a propensity to open my mouth at the wrong time, especially towards
authority, and most likely would have gotten into serious trouble, what with
the way that day had started, had it not been for that letter. Afer that letter,
life was great. About
fifteen years ago, while searching on the internet for locations and phone numbers
of old friends, I was able to locate Joyce. I called her and we spoke for a
little while, each updating the other on our lives and activities. Over the
years, we have kept contact. The internet has allowed us to share more ideas
and events. I find great solace in my older age sitting around and massaging
the great memories within my mind. You can rest assured, many of them include
Joyce. They honestly did throw the mold away when they created this lady. I
have been so very fortunate to have known her for even just a minute. Continued
happiness to you both. And to you, Joyce, I would say, "Thank you so very
much for the special memories. My life is so much richer having known you."